There is no better treasure a candidate can have for CFA coaching when it comes to getting the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Opportunities abound through the prestigious CFA designation in many careers, from investment banking to portfolio management, financial analysis, and much more. The CFA program curriculum is quite demanding, creating demand for specialized coaching centres that offer structured and complete training in those programs. In this article, we cover all aspects of CFA coaching.
What is CFA?
CFA or Chartered Financial Analyst prestigious designation is conferred by the CFA Institute, an international organization aiming to offer the world’s most accomplished financial qualifications. Among the most revered and acknowledged qualifications, one must pass three levels of examination that probe their knowledge base in economics, portfolio management, ethical and professional standards, and equity investments.
CFA Total Cost in India
Pursuing the CFA charter is a considerable investment, not just in terms of time but also in terms of financial cost. Understanding the full cost breakdown of the CFA program in India is essential for effective budgeting.
Beginning the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program requires thoughtful analysis of diverse costs that form an integral part of the process leading to the attainment of a CFA charter. Potential aspirants must include registration costs, examination charges, study packages, and tutorials in their financial plans, which combine to form the complete cost of attaining a CFA charter.
Registration and Exam Charges
The financial journey begins with the initial registration, which costs approximately ₹37,000. This is a one-time fee required at the outset of your CFA exam. Following this, candidates must also account for the exam fees, which vary depending on the timing of their registration:
- Early registration: Approximately ₹74,000
- Standard registration: Approximately ₹98,000
These are mandatory fees for every level of the exam and candidates must plan their registration in order to potentially benefit from the lower early registration fee.
CFA Study Materials
The CFA Institute offers official study materials, which are instrumental in preparing for the exam. The fee for these materials varies between ₹25,000 to ₹40,000. This varies based on the level of the exam and the level of specificity of the materials selected.
Coaching Costs
For most aspirants, particularly in areas such as Delhi, coaching classes form an important component of preparation. The cost of these preparatory courses is highly variable depending on the institute’s reputation and the intensity of the coaching offered:
- CFA Level I: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000
- CFA Level II: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000
- CFA Level III: ₹50,000 – ₹70,000
These CFA coaching charges are usually by level and may make a huge difference in the overall cost based on the selection of the coaching centre.
Total Investment
Adding all these expenses, the investment to acquire a CFA certification can be around ₹2.5 lakh to ₹4 lakhs. This figure accounts for the whole duration of the study. Still, it does not encompass possible additional fees like travel, accommodation if tests are not conducted locally, and additional study material or aids.
| Cost Type | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| First Time Registration Fee | ₹37,000 |
| Early Exam Fees | ₹74,000 |
| Standard Exam Fees | ₹98,000 |
| Study Materials | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Coaching Fees (Level I) | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Coaching Fees (Level II) | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Coaching Fees (Level III) | ₹50,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Total Estimated Costs | ₹2.5 lakh – ₹4 lakhs (not including additional costs) |
Best 10 CFA Coaching in India
Numerous coaching institutes are offering CFA coaching in India. However, the right one for a candidate makes all the difference between an applicant and a charter holder. The following is the list of the top 10 CFA coaching institutes in India famous for diverse teaching styles, the most experienced faculty members, and remarkable success percentages:
Plutus Education
Plutus Education provides a flexible training strategy that caters to individual learning needs. Prized for its rigid support and accommodating scheduling, Plutus Education supports different learning commitments while offering extensive preparation for the CFA exams. The institution is committed to ensuring its students acquire the intricate concepts required for financial success and grow personally and professionally through its intensive educational programs.
- Multiple locations: PAN India (Online)
- Overview: Plutus Education is a premier institution providing comprehensive CFA courses. They offer a personalized learning experience, leveraging cutting-edge teaching methodologies and technological tools to enhance student understanding and exam readiness. It is one of the most popular CFA coaching institutes in India, which offers well-structured programs for all three levels of the CFA exam.
- Why Plutus Education?: Plutus Education offers a comprehensive learning experience created for individual needs. With expert faculty providing guidance and support, students can benefit from flexible class schedules that accommodate their commitments. The institution offers abundant practice opportunities through ample resources and practice materials. Additionally, the supportive learning environment fosters growth and success.
IMS Proschool
- Multiple locations: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune.
- Overview: IMS Proschool is one of the oldest and most popular CFA coaching institutes in India, which offers well-structured programs for all three levels of the CFA exam.
- Why IMS Proschool?: The institute offers detailed study plans, industry-experienced faculties, and flexible learning options (online and offline). IMS Proschool is ideal for candidates looking for a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical financial skills.
Fintree Education
- Location: Available in major cities like Mumbai and Pune.
- Overview: Fintree Education is a learning institution that offers copious amounts of interactive learning to address complex issues about the concepts of CFA.
- Why Fintree?: Small batches, personal attention The small batch sizes and personal attention will ensure every student gets the amount of attention they need. This apart, material from studies, mock tests, and general doubt-clearing sessions too have been engaged. Thus, it becomes a stronger choice for aspirants who want thorough preparation.
EduPristine
- Locations: Major cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.
- Overview: EduPristine is a global name in the financial education space. Known for its class teaching methodology, EduPristine provides online and offline classes for CFA preparation.
- Why EduPristine?: Teaching at EduPristine emphasizes practical financial applications for students, so students can gain the theoretical knowledge required in CFA exams and acquire practical insights from experience. The all-inclusive nature of the institute, along with building one’s career skills, provides a premium choice for working professionals.
The Wallstreet School
- Location: Delhi and Gurgaon.
- Overview: There is a great reputation at Wallstreet School when it comes to coaching on the CFA, especially the case-study-based approach.
- Why Choose The Wallstreet School?: The institute conducts intensive classroom sessions focusing on the real-world application of CFA concepts. Thus, it is perfect for finance professionals who learn with the help of mock tests and industry insights as a supplement to overall financial understanding.
FinGuru Institute
- Location: Borivali, Mumbai.
- Overview: FinGuru Institute is a favourite among students, who tend to find it very affordable, of great quality, and coaches at every level of the CFA program.
- Why FinGuru?: FinGuru gives a small batch wherein the students get proper attention. It takes pride in exam strategies and practical knowledge, making it very promising for candidates seeking value for money.
Synthesis Learning
- Location: Pune.
- Overview: Synthesis Learning is well-known for providing a comprehensive package of CFA coaching, study material, and examination-focused strategies.
- Why Synthesis?: The Institute provides inexpensive coaching without compromising on quality. Balanced efforts: Self-study and guided coaching at Synthesis Learning make it the ideal choice for those seeking efficiency and cost-effectiveness in preparation.
QuintEdge
- Location: Hyderabad.
- Overview: QuintEdge has gained acclaim for its teaching approach, which is different from conventional ones and pushes students to apply the concepts of CFA.
- Why QuintEdge?: It is the quintessential platform for any candidate who wants to put theoretical knowledge into practical application, given the affordable fees and application-oriented teaching.
AptiD Academy
- Location: Lower Parel, Mumbai.
- Overview: AptiD Academy provides structured CFA training and focuses on case studies with real applications of concepts in finance.
- Why AptiD Academy?: The academy has very few class numbers that offer personalized attention. For the entire curriculum, they teach all the material required for students to go through the CFA exams with flying colours. Practical Approach of AptiD for CFA Coaching: Instead of pure theoretical CFA coaching, AptiD provides a hands-on approach that helps in an engaging presentation about the subject and fills learning gaps.
Kaplan Schweser (Online)
- Location: International. But Indian students appear to be very keen on it.
- Overview: Kaplan Schweser is certainly one of the most esteemed firms in preparation for the CFA exam, with rich online learning platforms and study materials.
- Why Kaplan Schweser?: It is a preferred option for candidates who want to learn at their own pace but on a firm basis of online support owing to the numerous sources, including mock exams, question banks, and personal study plans.
AnalystPrep (Online)
- Location: Global online platform.
- Overview: AnalystPrep offers online CFA prep through question banks, mock exams, and low-cost study packs.
- Why Choose AnalystPrep?: AnalystPrep is a website that perfectly fits a self-paced learner, offering resources for every level of CFA. One reason budget-conscious candidates favor the website is that it is cost-effective and less complicated compared to many other very expensive competitors.
CFA Course Duration
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program normally takes 1.5 to 2 years to finish if all levels are cleared in the first attempt. Nevertheless, considering the difficulty level of the exams, most candidates take 2 to 4 years to complete all three levels. The CFA Level I examination is administered twice yearly, while Levels II and III are conducted every year. To be qualified for the CFA charter, applicants should also acquire 4,000 hours of work experience in finance decision-making.
CFA Salary After Certification
One of the major advantages of the CFA charter is the high earning power it opens up. Salary bands for CFA charter holders in India are diverse based on experience, sector, and position:
- Junior-Level (0-2 years): ₹6 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs a year.
- Mid-Level (3-7 years): ₹12 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs a year.
- Senior-Level (7+ years): ₹25 lakhs to ₹50 lakhs a year.
Top job titles for CFA charterholders are Portfolio Manager, Investment Banker, Equity Research Analyst, Financial Analyst, and Risk Manager. Abroad, pay for CFA professionals is even higher, ranging from $70,000 to $200,000 per year, especially in global financial hubs such as New York, London, and Hong Kong. The global recognition and prospect of high remuneration render the CFA designation highly attractive to finance professionals.
CFA Coaching FAQs
Am I required to take CFA coaching if I want to pass?
Although it’s not required, it is highly recommended because a CFA coaching program will give structured study plans, guidance from experienced professionals, and exam-focused strategies to increase your chances of passing the exam.
What is cost of CFA coaching in India?
CFA Coaching costs in India range from ₹30,000 to ₹70,000. This again depends on the institute and level of preparation. The other costs include CFA exam registration fees and study materials.
Which are best CFA coaching institutes in Delhi?
Some of Delhi’s top CFA coaching institutes are IMS Proschool, EduPristine, and The Wallstreet School. These institutes offer a detailed CFA course with online and offline classes.
How long would it take to complete the CFA program?
The average time taken by the participants to complete the CFA program is 2.5 to 3 years, not factoring in a re-sit on any level.
What is the average salary for CFA in India?
The entry-level CFA is set at ₹6-10 lakhs per year, and the mid-level level would be around ₹12-20 lakhs per year. A higher level would be placed at ₹25-50 lakhs per year, depending on the nature of the job and the type of industry in which one decides to work.
